Chief Emeka Agba has expressed strong opposition to the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Agba, founder of the Emeka Agba Foundation, voiced concerns that the protest could worsen the current hardships in Nigeria.
Agba, who is deeply aware of the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, including managing basic utilities like electricity and water, emphasized that his stance is not due to a lack of empathy. Instead, he warned that the protest might inflame the situation rather than offer a solution. He compared the protest to “pouring gasoline on a fire,” suggesting it could increase the suffering of Nigerians.
He urged against drawing parallels with countries like Kenya, highlighting the unique challenges Nigeria faces due to its diverse ethnic and tribal landscape. Agba believes that any protest now could lead to further destruction and hardship, ultimately burdening the Nigerian people with the costs of damages and repairs.
“Kenya is not like Nigeria,” he said. “Kenya is a smaller country, while Nigeria is a cot with different ethnic backgrounds and tribes. A protest of any kind right now would really destroy things and make the people suffer even more. At the end of the day, if the protest takes place, it’s still Nigerians who will pay for what has been lost or damaged.”
Agba also pointed out that even if the government takes on debt to address protest-related damage, it is ultimately taxpayers who will suffer. He proposed a more constructive approach, advocating for neutral individuals to engage with the government and present citizens’ concerns in a respectful and effective manner.
He cautioned that protests often lead to opportunistic violence and property destruction, referencing the EndSARS protests as a precedent. Agba urged against the call for protests, suggesting it could lead to more harm than benefit.
“The moment we talk about protests, many hoodlums, jobless people, and those suffering from hunger will take advantage of the situation to start destroying and looting properties,” Agba warned. “We have seen it happen during the EndSARS protests. So, let’s stop this call for protests.”
On the dispute between Aliko Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Agba, while critical of Dangote’s business practices, including cement pricing, acknowledged the strategic importance of Dangote’s refinery for Nigeria’s energy independence. He recommended supporting the refinery’s operation and establishing contracts to prevent price manipulation.
“We should allow that refinery to function. The government should support the refinery and allow Dangote to operate it. They can establish a contract to prevent price fixing, but they should ensure the refinery operates at its best,” Agba stated.
Agba also criticized international oil interests for their exploitation of Nigeria and expressed hope for a future leader who will stand against such manipulation.
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